Art therapists' experiences of delivering manualised group art therapy for healthcare professionals at risk of burnout: a hybrid thematic analysis
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Authors
Tjasink, Megan
Chilvers, Samantha
Power, Nicki
Stevens, Poppy
Magnowska, Anna
Carr, Catherine
Ougrin, Dennis
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Issue Date
2026
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Article
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Background: Burnout among healthcare professionals (HCPs) is a growing concern with wide-reaching implications. Manualised, evidence-based art therapy interventions offer a promising approach to staff support and have shown effectiveness in recent clinical trials. However, little is known about art therapists' experiences of delivering these structured models. Understanding these experiences is essential to inform future implementation and sustainability. Aims: To explore art therapists' lived experiences of delivering a manualised group art therapy intervention for HCPs at risk of burnout, and to identify factors influencing implementation. Methods: A qualitative study using Reflexive Thematic Analysis and Template Analysis was conducted. A focus group with four therapists who delivered the intervention was transcribed and analysed to explore personal, professional, and systemic influences on delivery Results: Three interconnected domains were identified: (1) Art therapy groups as emotionally resonant, relational spaces that disrupted workplace hierarchies; (2) Therapist perspectives on balancing fidelity to the manual with flexible, relational practice; and (3) Organisational influences on delivery, including resource constraints and emotional labour. Therapists valued supportive relationships, the manual's containing function, and contextual knowledge. Embedded expertise enhanced delivery, while systemic barriers challenged sustainability. Conclusions: Delivering a manualised art therapy intervention in a medical setting was both meaningful and demanding. The structured framework supported emotional safety and creative expression, but long-term sustainability depends on organisational investment and integration into existing systems. Implications: Findings emphasise the need for dedicated art therapy roles, appropriate infrastructure, and further research into scalable implementation and long-term impact. Plain-language summary: This study explored how art therapists experienced delivering a manualised group art therapy programme for healthcare professionals at high risk of burnout. Four art therapists who facilitated the sessions as part of a randomised controlled trial took part in a focus group to share their reflections. Transcripts of the discussion were carefully examined using thematic analysis to explore common themes and differences. Therapists described how working within a structured manual helped them feel organised and grounded in delivering the intervention. The manual provided a clear framework that was highly valued for keeping art-making central to the sessions, preserving the integrity of the model, and fostering authentic expression and connection. Therapists also highlighted the importance of remaining flexible and responsive to the needs of each group. Being open about the manual and the research context helped build trust and engagement with participants. Delivering the intervention was experienced as both professionally enriching and personally meaningful. However, therapists also identified challenges, including organisational pressures, unpredictable physical spaces, and the emotional demands of the work. Access to supervision, team support, and strong working relationships with clinical colleagues were seen as critical to sustaining therapist wellbeing and programme delivery. The study highlights that group art therapy was experienced as creating restorative spaces for healthcare professionals within hospital environments. To sustain programmes like this, healthcare organisations need to invest in supporting art therapists through dedicated roles, protected time, appropriate spaces, regular supervision, and opportunities for reflection and creativity. Future work should explore how to adapt and extend this kind of programme across different hospitals and staff groups while keeping its core relational and creative focus alive.
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Journal
International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape
Volume
31
Issue
1